Thread: Steps to Enable Extensions in Google Chrome

GOOGLE Chrome provides you with the option of downloading extensions and add-ons that can extend the functionality of the browser and introduce new features. Since Chrome is a relatively new browser, there hasn't been much done in this field. However, Google provides a version of Google Chrome that can add such add-ons.

Basically, there are three such versions of Chrome. The first is the 'Stable' version that we all use. This version is cleared of all kinds of bugs and is secure. The 'Dev' version is used by developers who need to try new functionalities of Chrome. Since it has newly released versions of the browser, there are bound to be several loopholes and bugs in it. Hence, this is looked at as the most unstable version. Next is the 'Beta' version of Chrome. This version allows users to update their current browser with a number of successful add-ons that have been created in the Dev version.

To enable extensions in Google Chrome you need to install the 'Dev' version of Chrome. It can be downloaded from the following website:

Code:

www.google.comlchrome/ eula.html?extra=devchannel

. Visit the link, accept the terms and conditions and install the newer version of the browser.

~ Before installing the developer version of Google Chrome, make sure that you backup all your browser data like saved passwords and profile settings. If you are a Windows XP user then go to 'C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\ Chrome\User Data\Default', where <username> is the username that is logged in. Vista users can navigate to: 'C:\Users\username\AppData\ Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\ Default'. Backup the 'Default' folder.

~ Double-click the installation file of the browser and install the browser.
~ After the browser has been installed, right-click the 'Chrome' icon on the desktop and click 'Properties' in the context menu.
~ In the 'Target' dialog box, append '-enable-'extensions'.
~ Click 'Apply' for the changes to take effect.
~ To install Chrome extensions in the future simply download files that have a 'CRX' extension.